The government and senior officials of state-owned oil and gas company PLN don't appear to appreciate the actual tragic consequences of the numerous power cuts that happen here in North Sumatra and many parts of Indonesia. I'm sure most people consider the frequent unexpected power cuts as just an inconvenience.
However, these power cuts can cause far more serious events, some of which I mention below. (Les Barclay, Medan)
Your comments:
I agree with Barclay's comments in his recent letter. I know Indonesian people are generous, patient and tolerant.
However, I cannot reconcile these traits with their apparent inaction toward PLN. Why are there no street protests, no major initiatives by the governor of Sumatra and the Medan City Council in taking action?
Medan newspapers must now consider the story to be a non-event hardly worth reporting. The continual power cuts must be having an adverse impact on the financial status of businesses both big and small, but still the cuts continue.
Why is this?
Why do the people put up with it?
Could someone help me answer these questions?
Daryl Roe
Medan
Power generation and supply should be divested to the private sector with the government only providing a regulatory function. These two necessary, but separate functions cannot be provided by one agency (government) alone, as it rules out the necessary checks and balances.
In addition, more power providers and suppliers will ensure competition, which should improve quality of services. As it is now, the government holds the reins.
Henry Manoe
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara
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